Ch-Check it out: This sweeping, laugh-out-loud memoir charts the meteoric rise of the influential hip-hop group Beastie Boys, offering an experience "as innovative and raucous as the band's music" (Publishers Weekly).

What it's about: the complicated friendship between teammates Bill Russell and Bob Cousy, who led the Boston Celtics to six NBA championship titles in seven years beginning in 1957.

Why you might like it: The Last Pass reveals the poignant lessons Cousy learned both on and off the court as his accomplishments were elevated at the expense of Russell's own and he failed to stand up to the racist treatment his teammate received.

What it's about: In this candid and eye-opening memoir, Transparent creator Jill Soloway (who is nonbinary) reckons with their place in male-dominated Hollywood, offering insights on gender, sexuality, and the #metoo movement.

Did you know? Soloway was inspired to create Transparent after their own parent came out as transgender.

What it is: a gripping examination of then-teenager Adnan Syed's involvement in the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee, a story that will be familiar to listeners of the wildly popular Serial podcast.

What sets it apart: Written by attorney and Undisclosed podcast host Rabia Chaudry,Adnan's Story offers legal perspectives missing from Serial, revealing how police misconduct, inconsistent evidence, and Syed's incompetent lawyer (who was later disbarred) marred the investigation.

Why you might like it: Forgoing a standard transcript format, Waiting for the Punch organizes interviews by theme (such as Growing Up, Identity, and Mental Health) to give the collection an intimate narrative quality.